British Columbia offers some of the best paddling experiences in the world, with a variety of options from sea kayaking and canoeing to whitewater rafting and river surfing. Explore the province’s diverse waterways, including over 20,000 lakes, 27 million kilometers of coastline, and countless rivers and creeks, to find the perfect spot for your paddling adventure.
Every corner of the province has something unique to offer all paddlers, from novices to experts.
From rafting to canoeing, we have everything needed to “wet” your appetite.
The Cowichan Valley spans 3,500 square kilometres in southern Vancouver Island and is home to communities like Ladysmith, Duncan, and Chemainus. It’s a paddler’s paradise, offering everything from peaceful SUP sessions on Lake Cowichan and saltwater kayaking in the Saanich Inlet to adrenaline-pumping whitewater canoe runs on the Cowichan River. Off the water, the region serves up a feast of local flavours with its farmers markets, wineries, cideries, farm-to-table restaurants and some great brewpubs.
Located on the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island, Ucluelet means “people of the safe harbour” in the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ language. The small community of about 2,000 residents is nestled on an eight-kilometre-long peninsula that forms a natural barrier between the calm inner harbour and the open ocean. It’s the perfect launch point for beginner-friendly paddles and a fun town in which to enjoy aprés. If you only have three days, this paddling itinerary I enjoyed in Ucluelet is what I’d recommend.
Whether you’re drawn to swift water, calm exploration, or rugged backcountry nights, Kitimat offers a bit of everything. It’s untouched, wild, and waiting. Here’s a full itinerary of our trip to this undiscovered paddling paradise.
Only 30 minutes from the largest city on Canada’s West Coast, Vancouver’s North Shore is a magical area that boasts serene, secluded paddling.
Embark on a scenic 3-day paddling trip through the heart of the Kootenays, exploring the stunning waterways around Castlegar, British Columbia. This adventure blends gentle river currents, serene lakes, and breathtaking mountain views for a relaxing, yet immersive, outdoor experience.
Experience the best of Nelson and Kootenay Lake on a three-day adventure filled with paddling, mountain views, and local flavour. From coffee at Oso Negro and shoreline paddles in Nelson, to soaring with Kokanee Mountain Zipline, ferry rides across the world’s longest free crossing, and hikes to the Pilot Bay Lighthouse, each day blends outdoor adventure with unforgettable dining—ending with a sunset meal at the historic Kaslo Hotel.
Vancouver’s North Shore blends coastal adventure with urban charm, offering a journey where paddlers, food lovers, and culture seekers all find connection.
Comox Valley offers an accessible yet unforgettable paddling experience — the perfect blend of convenience, community, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or new to paddling, the region’s protected waters and stunning scenery make it a must-paddle destination on Vancouver Island.
This three-day paddling itinerary in Terrace, BC explores the Skeena, Lakelse, and Kitsumkalum river, blending gentle canoe trips, family lake outings, and thrilling whitewater with great local food and community charm.
Join us on a paddling journey through the Southern Gulf Islands that combines relaxed exploration with island charm.
Whatever type of paddling you prefer, here are the events you’ll want to take part in around the province.
The Kicking Horse Paddle Festival is an annual event that recognizes and appreciates the beauty of the Kicking Horse River…
A three-day event that’s the longest-running kayak festival in the province’s interior. It includes the "Adreian Kiernan Boatercross Race," which…
“I think what you’re doing is really cool, but I’m terrified of water. I would never do that,” a woman named Cathy told Jordan Kerton at a presentation earlier this summer. Jordan…
Paul Verchere is the first person to circumnavigate Vancouver Island in one journey. This is his story.
British Columbia isn’t just a playground for paddlers. It’s home to a thriving community of craftspeople, designers, and manufacturers building the boats, boards, and gear that shape how we explore lakes, rivers…
Would you?
Tofino is Canada`s most renowed surf town but did you know it also offers calm paddling, even in the winter months? When high-pressure systems invite calm, sunny days, sea kayakers will paddle from Tofino Harbour to Meares Island to view the towering old-growth cedars when the forest is extra lush.
Of course, when the waves get higher the adventurous go to Cox Bay just south of town and paddle surf the swells there.
🔗 For more suggestions about where to paddle comfortably during the winter in British Columbia, visit the link in our bio.
#paddlebc #britishcolumbia #winterpaddling @tourismtofino
The community of Hope in southern British Columbia is famous for its whitewater rafting, but did you know its flatwater scene is just as good?
Kawkawa Lake is one of the go-to paddle spots for visitors and locals. Known as the “home of loons.” it’s a favourite for calm kayaking, paddleboarding, and even kayak fishing thanks to its healthy population of land-locked kokanee salmon.
The lake is also the site of the annual BC Canoe Festival each April, plus there’s local kayak and SUP rentals with free delivery right to the lake. 🛶🌲
🔗 For more info about paddling around Hope, visit the link in our bio.
📸 @daveheathphoto
ℹ️ @tourismhcc
#paddlebc #britishcolumbia #hopebc
🌊🛶 5 Mind-Blowing Sea Kayaking Trips Around Northern Vancouver Island
If you’re dreaming of wild coastlines, rich marine life, and paddling routes that feel a world away, Vancouver Island North delivers in a big way. In our latest article we list 5 experiences where you can spot whales, explore remote beaches, and enjoy multi-day sea kayaking adventures.
👉 Read the full article via the link in our bio.
📸 All photos @spiritofthewestadventures.
#PaddleBC #ExploreBC #VancouverIsland @vancouverislandnorth
Kelp forests are so cool. If you`ve ever paddled around BC`s coast, chances are you`ve floated over them. Here are a few interesting things about kelp:
✅ Kelp forests are the largest marine habitat on earth.
✅They can grow up to 45cm (18 inches) every day.
✅ Kelp is used in soups, broths and seaweed snacks.
✅ Kelp forests are underwater nurseries for many species of fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates.
We recommend you plan a trip this summer to see some kelp close up. Ucluelet, where this photo was taken, is an excellent choice. To read our trip itinerary of this Vancouver Island community, visit the link in our bio.
📸 @daveheathphoto
📍Ucluelet, BC
#paddlebc #exploreBC #seakayaking @tourismucluelet
We had to share this scene posted by @kootenay_lakehouse because the colours are so unworldly!
The Lakehouse is located on the shores of Arrow Lake at the northern terminus of the Slocan Valley. There is some amazing flat water paddling to be had in this area including the large Arrow and Slocan lakes and the smaller Summit and Box lakes in the valley.
It should also be noted the Slocan Valley is the only Canadian destination named in BBC Travel’s “20 Best Places to Travel in 2026.”
Such well-deserved recognition!
➡️ For more about where to paddle in the Arrow Slocan region, visit the link in our bio.
➡️ For more about the Lakehouse, visit k#ootenaylakehouse.com
#paddlebc #britishcolumbia #exploreBC @visitarrowslocan
It may be January, but British Columbians are still getting out on their paddleboards!
That includes @ryanvanveenphotography who visited Sugar Lake earlier this month. Located just East of Vernon, the lake is usually frozen solid by January but this year has been so mild, Ryan decided to take his board with him when he went camping.
“With light fading it was a short paddle but it was so quiet out there and well worth taking it along on this camping trip,” he says.
Are you getting out on the water still? If so, tag us in your winter paddling photos.
#paddlebc #exploreBC #sup
Tag a friend you’d like to go paddling with this year!
This is Bucky, a Nigerian dwarf goat who grew up in the Okanagan Valley. Owner Shanda of @paddlegoats has a number of goats on her property near Vernon, BC and some of them love to paddle as much as she does on the nearby lakes.
📷 @sieradubyna
@tourism_vernon
#paddlebc #explorebc #britishcolumbiacanada
Get a new camera for Christmas? Wanna crash course in taking awesome paddling shots? 📸
Anyone can point a camera at a paddler and press a button but there`s an art to capturing photos worthy of wall hangings.
🔗 Learn tips and techniques from the pros that will take your paddling photos to the next level: link in bio.
Pics 1-4: Dave Heath
Pic 5: Ryan Creary
Pic 6: Reuben Krabbe
#paddlebc #britishcolumbia #explorebc
